HOW TO APPLY
PROVIDING EDUCATION ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
JOURNEY WITH US
Selecting the perfect school to meet your child’s unique needs can be daunting, whether navigating a relocation across continents or residing amidst many educational options here in Chiang Mai. Rest assured, our admissions process is designed with your convenience in mind. We offer three distinct Tracks for the Admissions Process, tailored to the specific grade level your child is entering: Elementary (K–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). Please see below for clear, detailed instructions.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Enrollment for the 2026-2027 School Year is complete.
- We are currently accepting inquiries for:
- The 2027/2028 academic year: Admissions processes students between February through May 2027.
- The 2028/2029 academic year: Admissions processes students between February through May 2028.
- The 2027/2028 academic year: Admissions processes students between February through May 2027.
- Please complete and submit an Inquiry Form so we can learn more about your family, Admissions will contact you within 3-5 days.
- Admissions campus visits are limited to families who qualify for the upcoming school year, and visits are scheduled during an active school day from August through May.
If your child receives learning support services, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or any other support services for learning, behavior, or wellness, please let us know when you complete the Inquiry Form. We will communicate with you if further documentation is required during the admissions process and if additional steps may be involved.
Please follow the steps below for specific information to guide you through our enrollment process.
STEPS TO APPLY
General Information for All Grade Levels
- Admissions schedule appointments. Parents are sent an email invitation with a date/time, so please reply to confirm your appointment.
- Acceptance is only guaranteed in Step 4 when you receive the Official Acceptance Letter. If Steps 1, 2, 3, or 4 do not meet GIS guidelines, the parent will be notified by Admissions after that step and the admissions process will end.
- Admissions ask that parents and students only communicate with other staff within the Admissions team during our process (unless applying for a GIS staff position).
- Applicants without Member Associate status may be placed on a waitlist to be reviewed in April / May. Seats in each grade level are limited, and GIS Board policy requires priority placement to be given to Member Associate families.
- GIS strictly follows a student’s birthdate when assigning a student to a particular grade level.
ADMISSION GRADES K–5
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- Your child must be five years old before September 1st to qualify as a student to apply for Kindergarten.
- Students are reminded that integrity is crucial during the interview process. Any form of cheating, dishonesty, or unethical behavior will result in an automatic failure of the interview (using AI, translation, etc.)
- We expect all candidates to demonstrate honesty, fairness, and respect throughout the evaluation process.
English Enrollment Policy
- Grades K-2: Prospective students may apply regardless of prior English-based schooling.
- Grades 3-5: Prospective students must have been enrolled in English-based schooling (bilingual considered) for at least one year immediately prior to applying. This year may still be in progress during the application season between February and May.
Starting Point
- Please fill out the Inquiry Form. We will respond to you within 3-5 business days.
Step 1 – Interviews and Writing Sample
Pre-screening Interview with Admissions (15-20 minutes).
Pre-screening Interview with the Elementary Principal (20 minutes).
- Interviews will include behavior, listening, speaking, comprehension, and a writing sample (except Kindergarten) in English.
- There is no need to prepare anything for these appointments.
- Depending on schedule availability, interviews are sometimes scheduled together on the same day or on separate days.
- These interviews assist in determining basic English proficiency and grade-level eligibility.
- For prospective students not currently residing in Thailand, remote appointments are available during school hours.
Step 2 – Entrance Exam(s)
Standardized Entrance Exam – 1,500 THB (In-Person or Remote)
- Grades KG-2: All prospective students are required to take a Readiness Assessment.
- Grades 3-5: All prospective students are required to take the Entrance Exam.
- Students will be assessed in two parts: Math and Reading Comprehension.
- By Invitation Only.
English Proficiency Exam – 1,500 THB (In-Person) / 3,000 THB (Remote)
- Grades KG-5: EAL prospective students are required to take an English Proficiency Exam.
- Students will be assessed in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
- By Invitation Only.
Step 3 – Submit Application / Academic Review
New Student Application fee 2,000 THB per student
We must receive all required documentation, references, and payment of the application fee before processing a prospective student application.
Documentation includes:
- Recent Picture of Student
- Copy of Passport (front page & Thailand Visa page, once available)
- Copy of Birth Certificate or Household Register (for Korean nationals, in English)
- Official Academic Records (last two (2) consecutive years for Grades 2-5).
- 2 Teacher References
- Copy of Immunization Records
- Any additional documents needed once the application has been submitted can be emailed to registrar@gisthailand.org
*Submission of an application does not guarantee admission or enrollment at GIS.
Academic Review
Prospective students will undergo an academic review process completed by our Elementary and Admissions staff. Once the academic review is complete, Admissions will notify you of approval or denial based on all Steps 2 and 3 components.
Step 4 – Medical Clearance / Confirm Status
Our Health Services team reviews applications and documentation, and parents will receive an email from the school nurse.
- A Physical Exam Request Form is issued to fulfill tuberculosis screening policy requirements and other required vaccinations.
- Once a physician completes the physical exam, please return the form and copies of all vaccine records to nurse@gisthailand.org.
- Please review our GIS Vaccination Policy and note that we do not permit non-medical vaccination exemptions.
- Upon completing these items, the Health Services team will approve Admissions.
If you have indicated an international sending organization and pursued Member Associate status, the Registrar will confirm to Admissions upon completion.
Step 5 – Official Acceptance Letter
Once the Admissions team approves the application and full medical clearance is received, parents will receive an Official Acceptance Letter.
- This acceptance letter does NOT guarantee a student’s placement in Grace International School.
- A student’s placement is guaranteed only when the entrance fee is paid. The entrance fee is due on the 1st or 15th of the month closest to the date of the Official Acceptance Letter (refer to the invoice emailed from our Finance team).
- Pay your entrance fee as directed at Tuition & Fees.
- Complete and submit the Emergency Contact Form attached to the acceptance letter.
Enrollment
- The Elementary Office will send a welcome email to parents 2-3 weeks before the start of school. Admissions recommend visiting our FAQs (bottom of page) for helpful New Student details.
- New students and their families are invited to participate in the New Family Welcome. This is usually scheduled the week before the start of the new school year.
- Student Enrollment is Complete! If your student needs an educational visa, please visit our Visa Requirements page for more information.
ADMISSION GRADES 6–8
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- Students are reminded that integrity is crucial during the interview process. Any form of cheating, dishonesty, or unethical behavior will result in an automatic failure of the interview (using AI, translation, etc.)
- We expect all candidates to demonstrate honesty, fairness, and respect throughout the evaluation process.
English Enrollment Policy
- Grades 6-8: Prospective students must have been enrolled in English-based (not bilingual) schooling for at least one year immediately prior to applying. This year may still be in progress during the application season between February and May.
Starting Point
- Please fill out the Inquiry Form. We will respond to you within 3-5 business days.
Step 1 – Interviews and Writing Sample
Pre-screening Interview with Admissions (20-30 minutes).
- Interviews will include behavior, listening, speaking, comprehension, and a writing sample in English.
- There is no need to prepare anything for these appointments.
- These interviews assist in determining basic English proficiency and grade-level eligibility.
- For prospective students not currently residing in Thailand, remote appointments are available during school hours.
Step 2 – Entrance Exam(s)
Standardized Entrance Exam – 1,500 THB (In-Person or Remote)
- Grades 6-8: All prospective students are required to take the Entrance Exam.
- Students will be assessed in two parts: Math and Reading Comprehension.
- By Invitation Only.
English Proficiency Exam – 1,500 THB (In-Person) / 3,000 THB (Remote)
- Grades 6-8: EAL prospective students are required to take an English Proficiency Exam.
- Students will be assessed in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
- By Invitation Only.
Step 3 – Submit Application / Academic Review
New Student Application fee 2,000 THB per student
We must receive all required documentation, references, and payment of the application fee before processing a prospective student application.
Documentation includes:
- Recent Picture of Student
- Copy of Passport (front page & Thailand Visa page, once available)
- Copy of Birth Certificate or Household Register (for Korean nationals – In English)
- Official Academic Records – Last two (2) consecutive years for Grades 6-8.
- 2 Teacher References & 1 Principal/Counselor Reference
- Copy of Immunization Records
- Any additional documents needed once the application has been submitted can be emailed to registrar@gisthailand.org
*Submission of an application does not guarantee admission or enrollment at GIS.
Academic Review
Prospective students will undergo an academic review process completed by our Elementary and Admissions staff. Once the academic review is complete, Admissions will notify you of approval or denial based on all Steps 2 and 3 components.
Step 4 – Medical Clearance / Confirm Status
Our Health Services team reviews applications and documentation, and parents will receive an email from the school nurse.
- A Physical Exam Request Form is issued to fulfill tuberculosis screening policy requirements and other required vaccinations.
- Once a physician completes the physical exam, please return the form and copies of all vaccine records to nurse@gisthailand.org.
- Please review our GIS Vaccination Policy and note that we do not permit non-medical vaccination exemptions.
- Upon completing these items, the Health Services team will approve Admissions.
If you have indicated an international sending organization and pursued Member Associate status, the Registrar will confirm to Admissions upon completion.
Step 5 – Official Acceptance Letter
Once the Admissions team approves the application and full medical clearance is received, parents will receive an Official Acceptance Letter.
- This acceptance letter does NOT guarantee a student’s placement in Grace International School.
- A student’s placement is guaranteed only when the entrance fee is paid. The entrance fee is due on the 1st or 15th of the month closest to the date of the Official Acceptance Letter (refer to the invoice emailed from our Finance team).
- Pay your entrance fee as directed at Tuition & Fees.
- Complete and submit the Emergency Contact Form attached to the acceptance letter.
Enrollment
- The Middle School Principal will send a welcome email to parents 2-3 weeks before the start of school. Admissions recommend visiting our FAQs (bottom of page) for helpful New Student details.
- New students and their families are invited to participate in the New Family Welcome. This is usually scheduled the week before the start of the new school year.
- Student Enrollment is Complete! If your student needs an educational visa, please visit our Visa Requirements page for more information.
ADMISSION GRADES 9–12
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- Students are reminded that integrity is crucial during the interview process. Any form of cheating, dishonesty, or unethical behavior will result in an automatic failure of the interview (using AI, translation, etc.)
- We expect all candidates to demonstrate honesty, fairness, and respect throughout the evaluation process.
English Enrollment Policy
- Grades 9-12: Prospective students must have been enrolled in English-based (not bilingual) schooling for at least two years immediately prior to applying. This year may still be in progress during the application season between February and May.
Starting Point
- Please fill out the Inquiry Form. We will respond to you within 3-5 business days.
Step 1 – Interviews and Writing Sample
Pre-screening Interview with Admissions (20-30 minutes).
- Interviews will include behavior, listening, speaking, comprehension, and a writing sample in English.
- There is no need to prepare anything for these appointments.
- These interviews assist in determining basic English proficiency and grade-level eligibility.
- For prospective students not currently residing in Thailand, remote appointments are available during school hours.
Step 2 – Entrance Exam(s)
Standardized Entrance Exam – 1,500 THB (In-Person or Remote)
- Grades 9-12: All prospective students are required to take the Entrance Exam.
- Students will be assessed in two parts: Math and Reading Comprehension.
- By Invitation Only.
English Proficiency Exam – 1,500 THB (In-Person) / 3,000 THB (Remote)
- Grades 9-12: EAL prospective students are required to take an English Proficiency Exam.
- Students will be assessed in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
- By Invitation Only.
Step 3 – Submit Application / Academic Review
New Student Application fee 2,000 THB per student
We must receive all required documentation, references, and payment of the application fee before processing a prospective student application.
Documentation includes:
- Recent Picture of Student
- Copy of Passport (front page & Thailand Visa page, once available)
- Copy of Birth Certificate or Household Register (for Korean nationals – in English)
- Official Academic Records – last two (2) consecutive years for Grades 9-12.
- 2 Teacher References & 1 Principal/Counselor Reference
- Copy of Immunization Records
- Any Additional Documents needed once the application has been submitted can be emailed to registrar@gisthailand.org
*Submission of an application does not guarantee admission or enrollment at GIS.
Academic Review
Prospective students will undergo an academic review process completed by our High School and Admissions teams. Once the academic review is complete, Admissions will notify you of approval or denial based on all Steps 2 and 3 components.
Step 4 – Medical Clearance / Confirm Status
Our Health Services team reviews applications and documentation, and parents will receive an email from the school Nurse.
- A Physical Exam Request Form is issued to fulfill tuberculosis screening policy requirements and other required vaccinations.
- Once a physician completes the physical exam, please return the form and copies of all vaccine records to nurse@gisthailand.org.
- Please review our GIS Vaccination Policy and note that we do not permit non-medical vaccination exemptions.
- Upon completing these items, the Health Services team will approve Admissions.
If you have indicated an international sending organization and pursued member status, the Registrar will confirm to Admissions upon completion.
Step 5 – Official Acceptance Letter
Once the Admissions team approves the application and full medical clearance is received, parents will receive an Official Acceptance Letter.
- This acceptance letter does NOT guarantee a student’s placement in Grace International School.
- A student’s placement is guaranteed only when the entrance fee is paid. The entrance fee is due on the 1st or 15th of the month closest to the date of the Official Acceptance Letter (refer to the Invoice emailed from our Finance team).
- Pay your entrance fee as directed at Tuition & Fees.
- Complete & Submit the Emergency Contact Form attached to the acceptance letter.
Enrollment
- The High School Principal will send a welcome email to parents 2-3 weeks before the start of school. Admissions recommend visiting our FAQs (bottom of page) for helpful New Student details.
- New students and their families are invited to participate in the New Family Welcome. This is usually scheduled the week before the start of the new school year.
- Student Enrollment is Complete! If your student needs an educational visa, please visit our Visa Requirements page for more information.
For students coming from one of the following Home Education Programs:
- Traditional Program
- An online platform such as TPS, Northstar Academy, Abeka Online Academy, Liberty Dual Enrollment Program, etc.
- Or a hybrid of both online and traditional textbooks/workbooks.
Parents will also need to fill out one of the following documents and upload it into the New Student Application as the student’s official school transcript:
- Elementary Homeschool Factsheet (for students applying to Grades 1-5)
- Middle School Homeschool Factsheet (for students applying to Grades 6-8)
- High School Homeschool Factsheet (for students applying to Grades 9-12)
If you need help getting your standardized testing documentation, your options include:
- Contact Admissions Coordinator at admissions@gisthailand.org to request standardized testing
- Contact other local educational consultant resources, such as the Asia Educational Resource Consortium, for testing availability.
- Test results in language arts, reading, and math are required. Results in additional subjects, while not required, help the school understand your child’s needs more fully.
All students wishing to return to Grace International School for another school year must contact the Registrar at registrar@gisthailand.org
A student who withdraws and who has not attended GIS for two school years or more must begin the application process again. They will be assessed payments as a new student for tuition and fee purposes.
INQUIRY FORM
We are thrilled that you have chosen to explore the possibilities of becoming part of our vibrant and dynamic educational community. Whether you are a prospective student seeking to embark on an exciting academic journey or a parent looking to provide your child with the best educational experience, you are in the right place. Start your journey today by filling out our inquiry form!